January 29, 2023
Introit: Sing Praise to God, Whose Mighty Acts
Daw/Kentucky Harmony
Call to Worship
[Matthew 5]
Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
Let us worship the LORD!
Now Thank We All Our God (Hymn 555)
Cruger/Rinkart
Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom this world rejoices;
Who, from our mothers’ arms hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in God’s grace, and guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills in this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God, who reigns in highest heaven,
To Father and to Son and Spirit now be given.
The one eternal God, whom heaven and earth adore,
The God who was, and is, and shall be evermore.
Confession
Faithful God, forgive us for the times we miss or misunderstand your vision for our lives as part of your kingdom. When we experience loss, weakness, or conflict, we often feel unlucky and disconnected from you. Show us how these painful or challenging situations can also be opportunities for your blessing, and help us stay in conversation with you. In your mercy, give us courage to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Amen
Silence
Jesus Knows the Inmost Heart
Pashto hymn
Refrain: Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden. (repeat)
This our sinful hearts require: flame of God’s refining fire,
Working in us day by day till the dross is burned away. (refrain)
Jesus knows our deepest fears, knows the pain of hidden tears,
By his words of love and peace every heart can find release. (refrain)
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
Trio: What Does the Lord Require
Strathdee
Carollen Ryan, Betsy Hammond, and Steve Goodner
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Gary Guenther
Old Testament: Micah 6:1-8
New Testament: Matthew 5:1-12
Sermon: Blessings that Please God
Focus: A blessing in disguise, an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results…
Response: Blest Are They
Haas
Blest are they, the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blest are they, full of sorrow; they shall be consoled.
Refrain:
Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God!
Blest are they, the lowly ones; they shall inherit the earth.
Blest are they who hunger and thirst; they shall have their fill. (refrain)
Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.
Blest are they, the pure of heart; they shall see God. (refrain)
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Ann Hall
…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. -Matthew 25:35
Offering Our Gifts: Little Rondo
Blake
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Hornpipe from “Water Music”
Handel
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